Game of Thrones

Considering its intricate complexities and daunting darkness, it's astounding that George R.R. Martin's sprawling A Song of Ice and Fire series has established such a firm foothold on popular culture. Given gaming's propensity toward medieval fantasy, it was only a matter of time before an RPG adaptation made its way over the Wall. The game's actually been in development for seven years, tying it more tightly to the books (though they use the HBO show for some voice-acting, character models and music). Martin supervised its Westeros-set story, which runs parallel to the books, spinning alternating tales of Mors Westford, a ranger of the Night's Watch, and Alester Sarwyck, a noble-turned-red priest ― both formerly part of Robert's Rebellion. If that makes any sense to you, then the story and setting may prove enough to keep you playing. The gameplay and graphics, however, exude an infuriating incompetence. In other words, we wanted the RPG equivalent of clever, charismatic Tyrion but, alas, got the insufferable boy-king Joffrey.